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A plate of 5-Ingredient Pesto Pasta with grated Parmesan and halved cherry tomatoes.

5-Ingredient Pesto Pasta Recipe

This Pesto Pasta Recipe is everything you need for a quick and satisfying meal! With just 5 ingredients, you get a creamy, basil-packed pasta that’s super easy to make. The Easy Pesto Pasta offers simple yet bold Italian flavors with every bite. Plus, it’s naturally vegetarian and can be made gluten-free with the right pasta. So, it’s a great choice if you’re looking for something light yet delicious. Ready to get cooking? Let’s go!
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Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time:15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 4 Serving
Calories: 350kcal
Cost: $3 per serving

Equipment

  • Large Pot  For boiling pasta.
  • Colander To drain the pasta
  • Large Mixing Bowl For tossing the pasta with pesto.
  • Tongs or Fork For mixing everything together.

Ingredients

  • Ingredients:
  • 12 oz Pasta Spaghetti, Fettuccine, or your favorite
  • 1 Cup Fresh Basil Pesto
  • 1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1/2 Cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved (optional for extra color)
  • Salt and Black Pepper to Taste

Instructions

Instructions:

  • 1. Boil the Pasta
  • Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.
    Large pot of water with spaghetti pasta boiling, a pinch of salt added.
  • 2. Drain and Prep
  • Drain the pasta using a colander. Shake off excess water but don’t rinse the pasta – you want it to keep some of that starchy goodness. Avoid rinsing to keep the pasta’s natural starch, which helps the pesto sauce stick better later on. Once drained, it’s ready to be mixed with pesto in the next step!
    Freshly cooked spaghetti in a colander, steaming as it drains.
  • 3. Toss with Pesto
  • Place the drained pasta in a large mixing bowl. Add the fresh basil pesto and toss everything together using tongs or a fork until well-coated.
    Drained spaghetti placed in a large mixing bowl, ready for pesto."
  • 4. Add Parmesan and Season
  • Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add cherry tomatoes if you like an extra pop of color and flavor.
    Drained spaghetti mixed with fresh basil pesto and topped with Parmesan.
  • 5. Serve and Enjoy
  • Divide into bowls and serve hot. Top with more Parmesan if you’re feeling extra cheesy. Enjoy your delicious Easy Pesto Pasta!
    Finished 5-Ingredient Pesto Pasta served in a bowl, topped with cheese and tomatoes.

Notes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Quick and Delicious: It’s done in just 15 minutes!
  • Only 5 Ingredients: Easy shopping, easy cooking.
  • Versatile and Diet-Friendly: Great for low-carb and gluten-free diets.
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